Hearing aids come in three major styles:

    In the canal
    Receiver in canal
    Behind the ear

In the canal hearing aids are custom products that are made from a mold of your ear canal.  The size of the hearing aid is usually dependant on the severity of the hearing loss, with very small hearing aids suiting a mild hearing loss, and larger hearing aids for more severe hearing losses.  These hearing aids tend to pick up less wind noise and can be easier to insert into the ear.

Receiver in canal hearing aids are comprised of two major parts:  the hearing aid and the receiver.  The hearing aid portion sits behind the ear and the attached receiver sits in the ear canal and delivers the sound to the eardrum.  The receiver in canal hearing aids comes in many styles, colours, and technology levels.  They are the easiest to repair, and often the repairs can be done in the office.  These hearing aids are suitable for almost any type of hearing loss.

Behind the ear hearing aids are for a severe to profound hearing loss.  They are composed of three major parts:  the hearing aid, the tubing, and the earmold.  The hearing aid is larger than a regular receiver in canal hearing aid, as it is able to produce a greater decibel level.  The tubing connects the hearing aid to the earmold.  The sound is produced in the hearing aid and sent to the earmold via this tubing.  The earmold is a custom-made attachment that fits snuggly in the ear to ensure sound does not leak out.

Technology

Hearing aids are available in 5 performance categories:  Basic, Entry, Mid Level, Advanced, and Premium.

It can be difficult to know which hearing aid is right for you.  PEI Hearing Consultants is happy to offer our Active Lifestyle Hearing Aid Trial and also our BeFlex hearing aid.